Hematological Disease Studies – FISH Panels and Specific Probes

Clinical info

FISH analysis is available to rule out certain common oncology related translocations, deletions and amplifications. This analysis is particularly useful when a specific hematologic disease is highly suspected (i.e. Philadelphia chromosome in chronic myelogenous leukemia) and/or cells fail to grow in culture. FISH can be used to look for minimal residual disease in patients undergoing treatment or in patients thought to be going into or coming out of remission. It can be used to detect unusual variants of the Philadelphia chromosome translocation, and to follow bone marrow transplants in certain patients. Since most of these oncology probes are used on interphase cells, standard cytogenetics is still necessary to look for other chromosomal aberrations and to detect clonal evolution of disease, an important prognostic indicator.

FISH can be performed on any tissue that can be cultured for chromosome analysis and interphase FISH can be performed on any cytogenetic sample. Follow collection and transport guidelines specific for each tissue type. Studies requested should be indicated at the time of sample submission.

Transport

Specimen should be kept at room temperature; do not freeze or refrigerate. Specimen should be sent by courier or overnight mail to arrive at the laboratory within 24 hours.